Derby County have been told that one of their long-term targets would be a ‘terrific addition’ in this transfer window.
The Rams are working hard to bolster their squad as they aim to secure promotion back to the Championship.
After struggling to land any of their targets so far, it appears they are close to making their first signing.
Journalist Darren Witcoop has revealed that a deal for Sheffield Wednesday striker Michael Smith “will get done” in this window.
The 32-year-old – who scored 16 goals to help the Owls return to the Championship last term – will provide competition for top scorer James Collins.
As seen throughout this window, a new striker isn’t the only area that Paul Warne wants to improve, and the Derby boss is looking to provide competition for Nathaniel Mendez-Laing on the flank.
Charlton Athletic wideman Corey Blackett-Taylor has been a long-term target for the Rams and they saw a £250k bid rejected on Sunday.
Blackett-Taylor has been in fine form for the Addicks this season with an eye-watering eight goals and seven assists in 25 League One appearances.
On the face of it, acquiring the 26-year-old from a divisional rival would be a real coup for the club, and journalist Leigh Curtis tends to agree.
When discussing the rumour linking Derby with Notts County goal machine Macaulay Langstaff, he accepted that a deal would be difficult to get done, but he did drop praise on their pursuit of Blackett-Taylor.
Writing on X, Curtis said: “Langstaff will fetch decent money and also he still has more than three years remaining on his contract. CBT would be a terrific addition if they can get it over the line.”
Would Corey Blackett-Taylor be a good signing?
Derby are showing huge ambition to prise a talented player from a League One rival, but if they can get a deal over the line, he would be an excellent addition.
Blackett-Taylor has made 25 appearances down the left flank this term, a position occupied by Mendez Laing.
However, if they were to sign the Englishman, Warne could shift either player out to the right and have two devastating players on both flanks.
Mendez-Laing proved he can still do damage from the right in the 3-2 victory over Burton Albion, supplying an inch-perfect cross for Tom Barkhuizen to tap into an empty net.
The Charlton winger has proven he is one of the best players at this level and could make the step up to the second tier too – if promotion is sealed.